Robbery Victim Dies after being Stabbed, Defendants Found Guilty

For Immediate Release 11/28/2016

Antwan Eldridge and Daquan Middleton both face a maximum of 55 years in prison after Baltimore City Circuit Judge Stephen Sfekas found them guilty of robbery, conspiracy to commit robbery, assault in the first degree and theft.

Assistant State’s Attorney Charles Fitzpatrick prosecuted this case.

On January 9, 2016, just after 9:00 PM in the 3300 block of Old York Road, Baltimore Police were dispatched to the scene of a stabbing. When the officer arrived, he found the victim—Robert Ponsi— lying on the sidewalk with stab wounds to his neck and chest. The victim was taken to the hospital where he died.

An investigation into the victim’s death revealed that as Ponsi was riding his bike on Old York Road he was approached by several males. As the group of males surrounded him, the victim got off his bike and swung it at the group to try and fend off his attackers. The victim then fell to the ground and was punched, kicked, stabbed and stomped. The group fled the scene with several items belonging to the victim, including his bike.

A witness to the crime tried to render aid to the victim until a medic arrived.

Shortly after the attack, Baltimore Police found Eldridge and Middleton a few blocks away. After leading officers to the victim's bike, Eldridge was taken to police headquarters, where he waived his Miranda rights and stated that he and Middleton attacked the victim. Middleton, who was stabbed on his right calf during the scuffle, admitted being one of the attackers.

“Robert Ponsi did not deserve to lose his life that night,” said State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. “It’s disheartening to think that this man’s choice of transportation cost him his life. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of a case, we can ensure the requisite process in our pursuit of justice; and, I am thankful that these defendants had to go through the process and will spend time behind bars for their reckless behavior that led to an innocent man’s death.”